Prof Chukwuma Soludo, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) gubernatorial candidate in Anambra State, stated on Tuesday that he and a few other famous Igbo Indigenes facilitated the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in 2017.
Soludo stated that he brought 12 notable Igbos to Abuja in 2017 for Kanu’s release, and that he will continue to protect Igbo interests in all their endeavors and include them in his administration, particularly in the formulation of public policies.
The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) spoke during an APGA political event in Attani, Ogbaru Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State, to party members and supporters.
He said, “Let me remind us that I have been championing the cause of Igbos. In 2017, when Nnamdi Kanu was refused bail; I led 12-prominent personalities from Igboland to Kuje Prison, where we facilitated his release.
“I was the one that addressed journalists after the visit and a few days later, he was released. By that time, I did not know him.”
Soludo said he was recalling it because there was need to form a formidable force that will negotiate the progress and status of Igbos in Nigeria.
“We need a platform, where Igbos will be in the forefront and not at the rear, and APGA is the platform.
“The welfare of the South East can be achieved through proper dialogue and negotiation and not by arms struggle and destruction of life and property,’’ Soludo stressed.
He said his party was striving for high speed development and the provision of basic infrastructure.
He, then, emphasised that APGA leadership under Gov. Willie Obiano had remained the best that had touched every sector of development.
Soludo promised to deploy his professionalism and political expertise in providing for the needs of the people, stressing that his urban renewal programme would commence simultaneously in the state.
